Fresno State Athletics
Jones Relishes Playing In front of Family
1/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 26, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Early in Brittny Jones' high school basketball career at Pebblebrook High School in Austell, Ga., she had Division I schools all over the midwest and southeast recruiting her. But two ACL knee injuries later Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins was one of the few Division I coaches that kept after the Bulldog junior.
When the opportunity came for Jones to sign with Fresno State she jumped at the opportunity. The funny part about her signing with Fresno State is that when she was growing up she always threatened her parents that she would go to college as far away as possible when she got grounded or when her parents found out she went over her cell phone minutes.
"I knew this would be a big change for me," Jones said on her signing at Fresno State. "More than anything I knew I would grow up. I felt like I was fairly immature as my parents would say growing up. I always talked about how I wanted to get out of Georgia and go as far as I can and it happened. I didn't think it would but it happened. I've matured a lot since day one. I am glad I came here."
Jones coming to Fresno State also meant her parents Brian and Beverly would have few opportunities to watch their daughter play Division I basketball. But being in the WAC they knew they would get to see Brittny play once a year when the Bulldogs play at Louisiana Tech.
The drive from Austell, Ga., to Ruston, La., is seven hours for the Jones' and it is a trip they haven't missed since Jones signed with Fresno State. And it is a game Jones looks forward to playing every year.
"It is always exciting to see any family members at my games," Jones said.
For the last two years Brian and Beverly have left Ruston happy Bulldog fans as the Bulldogs have won at Louisiana Tech. As a sophomore, Jones helped the Bulldogs to an 82-63 victory and this past year she played 11 minutes and scored five points in a 78-53 win over the Lady Techsters.
With each passing year Jones as spent in Fresno her parents have noticed how their daughter has matured.
"When they turn 20 they seem to be able to take care of themselves without mom or dad," Brian said.
Jones will be the first one to admit that the adjustment of living in Fresno, Calif., compared to Austell, Ga., was a difficult one when she first arrived on the Fresno State campus as a freshman.
"It is so far and it is so different here, whether it be food or people," Jones said. "I had to grow up a little bit. I feel like I have grown up a lot more since I was a freshman."
Jones has yet to play in front of her parents at the Save Mart Center but if Brian and Beverly have their way, they hope to be in Fresno next year for Senior Night.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs return home to the Save Mart Center on Friday, January 30 as they host San Jose State at 7:00 pm. It's American Heart Association Go Red for Women Weekend as Fresno State Athletics raises awareness of heart disease in women. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
